Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev says that anti-democratic trends in Russia are threatening its stability.
Gorbachev said in an article published Friday in Novaya Gazeta newspaper that the lack of political competition, flawed elections, shrinking media freedom and rampant corruption have slowed Russia’s development.
Without directly mentioning Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Gorbachev said that negative trends in the nation’s political life became particularly apparent in 2005-2006 — the time when Putin was serving his second presidential term.
Gorbachev said President Dmitry Medvedev correctly warned in his blog last month that the country is facing symptoms of stagnation, but criticized him for failing to propose how to improve the situation.
